Legislation was launched Monday to extend the space shuttle program and make a seamless transition into NASA's next mission.

Weldon said the current plan to transition from the shuttle program to Orion short changes the space program, and is far too abrupt.

Weldon added it endangers the Brevard County economy, and creates a reliance on the Russians to continue operations on the International Space Station.

Weldon said his $3.7 billion Space Act would provide the funding needed to still have two shuttle flights a year between 2010 and 2015, or until Orion, the shuttle's replacement, is ready to go.

Obviously Weldon is looking after his neighborhood, but this isn't really a bad idea. I'd prefer a private company selling NASA access to LEO but barring that this is better than relying on the Ruskies.